Tinubu Urges Journalists to Shun Sensationalism, Prioritise National Security
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian journalists to uphold professionalism by placing the country’s interest above sensational reporting, warning that irresponsible coverage of insecurity could embolden terrorists and undermine national unity.
Speaking at the inaugural State House Press Corps Dinner held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the President urged media practitioners to avoid becoming platforms for terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups seeking to spread fear and division.
Tinubu stressed that while press freedom remains a cornerstone of democracy, it must be exercised with responsibility and a commitment to truth.
“We owe one another a duty not to undermine our country through irresponsible reporting. If we do, we will have no safe space left,” the President said.
He noted that security agencies have continued to record successes against criminal elements through intensified military operations, intelligence gathering and improved collaboration, resulting in the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of communities previously occupied by criminals.
According to him, journalists should ensure their reports do not inadvertently promote the agenda of those seeking to destabilise the nation.
“The media must resist the temptation of becoming megaphones for terrorists and kidnappers. We must protect our nation,” Tinubu added.
The President also urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness and credibility, warning against the growing spread of misinformation and clickbait in the digital era.
He maintained that freedom of expression does not include the freedom to mislead or defame, insisting that public trust can only be sustained through responsible journalism.
Tinubu further explained that laws such as the Cybercrimes Act were designed to protect citizens from malicious falsehoods and digital abuse, rather than suppress press freedom.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the President said ongoing economic reforms were beginning to produce positive results, citing improved public revenue, stronger foreign reserves, renewed investor confidence and increased investments in the oil and gas sector.
On security, he reaffirmed his administration’s determination to restore lasting peace across the country, assuring Nigerians that efforts to eliminate terrorism and other violent crimes would continue.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to secure every part of our country so that every Nigerian can live and prosper in peace,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged journalists to exercise greater responsibility in reporting security issues, cautioning against headlines that could inadvertently glorify terrorists or criminal organisations.
Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Emmanuel Anule, appealed to the President to make the dinner an annual event to strengthen engagement between the Presidency and journalists, while reaffirming the corps’ commitment to fair, factual and professional reporting.
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